School Caretaker

Polaris Community; Stourton; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days' annual leave

Company pension

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Medical Cash Plan

Job summary

Polaris Education is seeking a dedicated School Caretaker to maintain a safe, clean, and secure school environment in Kinver/Stourbridge. The role includes building and grounds upkeep, minor repairs, porterage, and supporting cleaning staff.

You will help ensure health and safety, manage security systems and liaise with contractors for bigger repairs. A DBS check will be completed by Polaris, and the role requires a full UK driving licence and ability to work with SEMH students.

Qualifications

• Previous property maintenance or caretaking experience within a school environment is preferred.
• Good knowledge and understanding of health and safety regulations.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Maintain clean, safe and secure school premises, including buildings and grounds.
• Carry out cleaning, general maintenance and minor repairs.
• Provide supervision of school cleaning staff and promote health and safety around the school.
• Carry out porterage duties and move furniture and equipment as required.
• Arrange larger repairs and obtain quotes from contractors and oversee annual deep cleaning of classrooms and facilities.
• Check end of day safety: doors/windows/gates locked, lights off, and appliances switched off.
• Set and monitor security alarms; CCTV and fire safety equipment checks; report breaches as needed.
• Advise Headteacher on school security and safety matters; ensure a safe working environment.

Skills

Property maintenance

Caretaking

Health and safety knowledge

Security systems

DIY skills

Interpersonal skills

Literacy and numeracy

Driving licence

Tools

Alarm systems

CCTV

Fire safety equipment

Job description

Located in Kinver, Stourbridge, our school has capacity for up to 100 pupils and provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils aged 5-16 with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

Our school will form part of the Polaris Community, which has been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our growing portfolio of schools across the UK.

Role Responsibilities

• Maintain clean, safe and secure school premises, including the building and grounds
• Carry out cleaning, general maintenance duties, routine maintenance and refurbishment, and minor repairs
• Provide some supervision of school cleaning staff
• Promote health and safety around the school
• Carry out porterage duties, such as moving furniture and equipment around the school
• Maintain the general school premises, furniture and fittings, reporting any issues to the Headteacher
• Carry out small repairs and DIY projects
• Arrange larger repairs and obtain quotes from contractors
• Carry out daily cleaning and ad hoc duties, such as litter picking and arranging the disposal of waste
• Carry out emergency cleaning duties, such as gritting and cleaning up spillages
• Arrange an annual deep clean of classrooms, staffrooms, kitchens, dining areas, food technology areas and other frequently used spaces on the school premises
• Take responsibility for the maintenance of cleaning tools and products, including arranging replacements and ensuring good stock levels
• Maintain the security of the school premises as the main key holder
• Lock and unlock the premises as required, including outside school hours when necessary
• Check at the end of the school day that windows, doors and gates are locked, lights are switched off and gas and electrical appliances are turned off
• Set security alarm systems, report potential security breaches and respond to alarms or other call-outs in line with agreed procedures
• Carry out regular checks of CCTV and alarm systems, locks, fire safety equipment, security gates and perimeter fencing, ensuring any necessary repairs are actioned
• Advise the Headteacher on all matters relating to school security and safety
• Ensure a safe working and learning environment in accordance with relevant legislation
• Carry out and record regular health and safety checks, including Legionella risk, play equipment, safety equipment and hazards on school premises, reporting any problems to the Headteacher
• Provide safe access to the school in cold weather conditions, The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris.

Polaris Education is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Polaris Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

• Previous property maintenance or caretaking experience within a school environment is preferred
• Previous experience of building maintenance
• Previous experience of security, including alarm systems
• Good knowledge and understanding of health and safety regulations
• Basic DIY skills
• Good interpersonal skills when dealing with contractors and other visitors to the site
• Good literacy and numeracy skills
• Ability to work effectively with children and young people with SEMH needs
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

• 30 days' annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service, plus bank holidays
• Company pension
• Life Assurance
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Medical Cash Plan